Filipino boxing icon Manny Pacquiao will be helping the Philippines in their bid to host the 2019 International Basketball Federation (FIBA) World Cup as reported by the Associated Press via ESPN.
Pacquiao has been an avid basketball fan and is playing professionally in the Philippine Basketball Association (country's professional league) for a team that he also coaches.
According to the Associated Press, local reports say Pacquiao will be with the contingent the Philippines will send to Japan this August to present their hosting bid to FIBA.
Former Philippines national team head coach Chot Reyes said having the chance to host the tournament will give inspiration to a "generation of players" in Asia.
"With the World Cup 2019, we are not only able to show the world what the sport means to the Philippines, but the opportunity to host a world-class competition like this will further inspire Filipinos both in the Philippines and the 10 million across the globe to chase their dreams. We also believe that it will offer similar inspiration to other players right across Asia," Reyes said in the report.
Reyes also discussed the Filipinos' passion for the sport and believes the country can host the huge sporting event.
"It is really a sport that is at the heart of every Filipino. We have 40 percent of the population who know and played the sport, we have the facilities to support the bid and of course incredible fan support for the sport in the Philippines," Reyes said.
He added, "Filipinos are also not just passive sports fans who watch basketball from their homes; they're active and vocal about wanting to see their country host the FIBA World Cup 2019."
The Philippine national team, Gilas Pilipinas, last competed in a FIBA stage during the 2014 World Cup in Spain where they finished at 1-4.
The appearance in last year's tournament was the first for the nation since they hosted it in 1978.
Despite the record and close losses, fans cheered them on each game in Spain; and the Philippines won the Most Valuable Fans award.
